Renowned as one of the most prestigious Superyacht regattas in the world, the St Barths Bucket consistently attracts a spectacular fleet and is set to return later this month.
With more than half of the fleet powered by Doyle Sails, we hope to see the successful results of years gone by continue. Since 1986, the event has united owners, crew and guests in one of the most picturesque places in the world.
Aquarius is a stunning yacht of rare beauty, combining classic hull lines with a powerful modern rig and a clean, contemporary chic above and below decks. Aquarius truly defines what it means to be a ‘modern classic’. With naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and interior design from Mark Whiteley Design this magnificent 56m / 184ft ketch was realised by Royal Huisman together with Rondal and an outstanding team of rig specialists. This may well be the final event for the 56m yacht ahead of the launch of Aquarius II this year. Doyle Sails is proud to have been involved in Aquarius I and II from concept with CEO Mike Sanderson onboard and Grand Prix experts Justin Ferris and Chris Blunden.
Aurelius, JOM 34 will have Alan McGlashan, from Doyle Sails Newport racing onboard. Gelliceaux a recently launched Southern Wind SW108 Hybrid, will have all eyes on her ahead of the maiden event. Doyle Sails Italy’s Mario Giattino remains an intrinsic link between sailmaker and owner to deliver the perfect sailing inventory utilising all of the Doyle Sails technology that remains on offer.
Hetairos, delivered in 2011 by Baltic Yachts, the 66m powerhouse has proven to be a force to be reckoned with both on the race course and as one of the world’s finest cruising superyachts. Hetairos was one of the most challenging projects undertaken by Baltic Yachts, and she remains one of the most outstanding sailing superyachts in the world. In 2019 and 2022 she was the overall winner of the St Barths Bucket. This year Matt Bridge from Doyle Sails New Zealand and Luke Molloy from Doyle Sails Palma will be racing with the team alongside Captain Graham ‘Reggie’ Newton.
The spectacular 78m M5 will be on display this year with Doyle Sails Design Director Richard Bouzaid onboard. At 78m, M5 is the world’s largest single-masted sailing yacht, with its mast reaching 86m in height. It is a sailing yacht owned by an aviator with a need for speed and a project that combines pragmatism and ambition in perfect measure. The yacht recently took delivery of a new Doyle Sails inventory featuring a Stratis 1100 Mainsail at 1291sqm in area and Reacher at 1497sqm. The reacher also showcases three Spitfire planes printed in 1:1 scale, which is a nod to the owner’s passion for flying. Doyle Sails’ revolutionary technology, Stratis SailArt, has been used to deliver photo quality imagery at next to no additional weight, and is printed in house ahead of sail manufacture.
Doyle-powered yachts also include the recently launched 59m Maximus which will include Scott Zebny as race crew; 56m Perini Melek; 33m Nakupenda (current reigning champion) with Doyle Sails Managing Director David Duff onboard; 47m Nilaya with Stu Bannatyne; 56m Perini Rosehearty with Nin O’Leary; 33m Spirit of Malouen X 3 with Antoine Thullier; 39m Vijonara and 35m Whisper with Emma Sanderson.
A Brief History of the Bucket Regatta’s
The first Bucket Regatta was organized in Nantucket, Massachusetts in August of 1986. At a birthday celebration organized by Nelson Doubleday, several yacht owners participated in a spirited discussion about optimal yacht design and individual sailing prowess. The following day, with only a night of preparation, seven sailing superyachts raced on a hastily prepared 15-mile course on Nantucket Sound. The stated prize of this impromptu competition was simply to attain undisputed superyacht sailing bragging rights for the year. They soon learned, however, that the pleasure and enjoyment of a camaraderie formed at sea between like-minded individuals was the greatest prize of all. As a result, a nearby spare bucket was deemed sufficient to commemorate the racing accomplishment and the Bucket Regatta was born.
For over 35 years since 1986, the world’s premier superyacht sailing vessels, owners, crew, and guests have reunited with the same intention.
Between 1986 and 2001, the Nantucket Bucket flourished. The summer event then shifted to Newport, Rhode Island where the event was well hosted at the Newport Shipyard from 2002 to 2014.
In 1995, the beautiful French island of St Barths hosted its first Bucket Regatta and it has done so in March every year since then. Although the size of the yachts and competing fleet has grown significantly, the spirit of the event has remained unchanged. In recent years, 40 or more superyachts have gathered to compete for the Bucket in glamorous St Barths.
Over the years, many of the world’s most notable and accomplished sailors have participated in the racing. Nonetheless, as the Bucket Regatta has evolved, the organizers have kept a tight focus on maintaining the original camaraderie and non-commercial spirit of the event. It was, and still is, an event conceived and hosted purely for the pleasure and enjoyment of the sailing superyacht owner. There is no other regatta of its magnitude on the superyacht racing circuit with the same goals, and the event organizers consider themselves the stewards of a most worthwhile tradition. Every year, invitations are extended to like-minded individuals.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.